Unexpected Sponsorship: David Chang Partners With Budweiser

We have to say, we didn't see this coming. Chef David Chang is partnering with Budweiser (yes, that Budweiser, not a cheekily named soy sauce distributor). The perplexing partnership is on a mission to find the best burger in America during the aptly-named Bud & Burgers championship. Does that mean Momofuku will add Budweiser-braised noodles to its famous menu?

The burger contest itself is serious business. The winner (will it be a Shake Shack burger? Will it be that little diner in the middle of nowhere, Idaho? Or could it be you?) will receive $100,000, presumably to spend on perfecting their burger recipes and to buy cases of Bud for customers and friends.

"Both burgers and beer are experiencing a renaissance of sorts," said Chang. "I love that there's nothing pretentious about the combination — it just works. A full-flavored lager brings out the taste of a savory burger." 

Semi-finalists will compete at various events, including the Stagecoach Music Festival, the Free Press Summer Fest, and the Chicago Blues Festival. The champion will not only have the knowledge of how to perfect the grilled beef patty, but their recipe will also be declared the best burger creation to be paired with a Bud. The Daily Meal has reached out to David Chang to learn more about his relationship with Budweiser.